Arrival and Pre-Orientation
Monday, August 31
TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
All Day
International Students Airport Pickup
Welcome to your new home away from home! Our friendly staff can’t wait to greet our newest international students at airport arrivals and get you on your way to campus so you can start your university journey. Learn more.
Welcome to your new home away from home! Our friendly staff can’t wait to greet our newest international students at airport arrivals and get you on your way to campus so you can start your university journey. Learn more.
Halifax Airport
All Day
International Move-In Day
International students, today you can check into your residence halls and begin transforming your new rooms into personalized spaces with the help of our dedicated move-in crew.
International students, today you can check into your residence halls and begin transforming your new rooms into personalized spaces with the help of our dedicated move-in crew.
11:00am – 9:00pm
International Student Lounge
Drop by the Wong International Centre and enjoy a relaxing space where you can grab a snack, play a board game with new friends or ask any questions you may have upon arrival.
Drop by the Wong International Centre and enjoy a relaxing space where you can grab a snack, play a board game with new friends or ask any questions you may have upon arrival.
Wong International Centre
Tuesday, September 1
Chapter 1: Welcome Home!
TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
All Day
Residence Move-In
The Acadia Residence Life team has been excitedly preparing for your arrival, and our campus community is ready to welcome you with open arms. Learn more.
The Acadia Residence Life team has been excitedly preparing for your arrival, and our campus community is ready to welcome you with open arms. Learn more.
In Your Residence
All Day
ASU Lawn Party
The Acadia Students’ Union (ASU) Lawn Party will take over various outdoor spaces across campus which will come alive with vibrant music, classic lawn games, and a high-energy atmosphere perfect for breaking the ice.
The Acadia Students’ Union (ASU) Lawn Party will take over various outdoor spaces across campus which will come alive with vibrant music, classic lawn games, and a high-energy atmosphere perfect for breaking the ice.
Across Campus
11:00am – 3:00pm
Parents & Supporters Welcome
Presented by the Acadia Alumni Association
Welcome to the Acadia family! We invite all parents, guardians, and supporters to join the Acadia Student Services team and the Acadia Alumni Association at The Axe Bar & Grill to relax, connect with university staff and fellow families, and enjoy a complimentary beverage and snacks as we celebrate the exciting beginning of your student's new journey.
Presented by the Acadia Alumni Association
Welcome to the Acadia family! We invite all parents, guardians, and supporters to join the Acadia Student Services team and the Acadia Alumni Association at The Axe Bar & Grill to relax, connect with university staff and fellow families, and enjoy a complimentary beverage and snacks as we celebrate the exciting beginning of your student's new journey.
Axe Bar and Grill
12:00pm
Lunch (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
5:30pm
Dinner (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
6:30pm
Residence Community Meetings
Hosted by your wonderful team of Residence Assistants (RAs), this is your essential kickoff to residence life, where you’ll connect with the people living in your building, get to know your RAs, and receive key information about where you live, including safety and community guidelines.
Hosted by your wonderful team of Residence Assistants (RAs), this is your essential kickoff to residence life, where you’ll connect with the people living in your building, get to know your RAs, and receive key information about where you live, including safety and community guidelines.
Your Residence
8:00pm
Garden Grooves & Open Mic
Relax under the stars, grab some free snacks, and enjoy a fantastic lineup of local acts hitting the stage for your entertainment. Think you've got what it takes? The mic will be open to any of you who may want to showcase your own musical talents on stage!
Relax under the stars, grab some free snacks, and enjoy a fantastic lineup of local acts hitting the stage for your entertainment. Think you've got what it takes? The mic will be open to any of you who may want to showcase your own musical talents on stage!
Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens
Wednesday, September 2
Chapter 2: Your Acadia Story Begins
TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
9:00am
Breakfast (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
11:00am
Welcome Ceremony
Join university leadership, classmates, and Acadia Alumni as we officially mark the beginning of your university journey. Hear from those who’ve walked these halls before you and see the room where you’ll eventually cross the stage as a graduate. All who attend will receive a special Acadia keepsake.
Join university leadership, classmates, and Acadia Alumni as we officially mark the beginning of your university journey. Hear from those who’ve walked these halls before you and see the room where you’ll eventually cross the stage as a graduate. All who attend will receive a special Acadia keepsake.
University Hall
12:00pm – 1:30pm
Welcome BBQ
This complimentary BBQ lunch is the perfect opportunity to meet new friends, connect with Faculty & Staff, and continue building your Acadia community.
This complimentary BBQ lunch is the perfect opportunity to meet new friends, connect with Faculty & Staff, and continue building your Acadia community.
University Hall Quad
2:00pm – 3:30pm
Acadia Campus Quest Tour
Ready to explore? Join your Orientation Leaders for an interactive scavenger hunt-style tour of campus where you'll discover key academic buildings, student services, hidden gems, and everything you'll need to feel confident finding your way around Acadia.
Ready to explore? Join your Orientation Leaders for an interactive scavenger hunt-style tour of campus where you'll discover key academic buildings, student services, hidden gems, and everything you'll need to feel confident finding your way around Acadia.
Fountain Learning Commons
5:30pm
Dinner (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
7:30pm – 10:00pm
Silent Disco
Dance the night away at one of Orientation Week's most popular events! Grab a pair of headphones, choose your favourite music channel, and enjoy a unique dance party alongside your new classmates.
Dance the night away at one of Orientation Week's most popular events! Grab a pair of headphones, choose your favourite music channel, and enjoy a unique dance party alongside your new classmates.
Axe Bar and Grill
Thursday, September 3
Chapter 3: Building Your Toolkit
TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
9:00am
Breakfast (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
10:00am
Unlocking the Library
Get to know one of the most important academic resources on campus! During this interactive session, you'll be introduced to the Vaughan Memorial Library, learn about research support and study spaces, and discover the services available to help you succeed throughout your degree.
Get to know one of the most important academic resources on campus! During this interactive session, you'll be introduced to the Vaughan Memorial Library, learn about research support and study spaces, and discover the services available to help you succeed throughout your degree.
Vaughan Memorial Library
11:30am
Getting the Right Start
Featuring key university expectations, student success strategies, and campus supports, this session is designed to help you transition successfully into the first few weeks of university life.
Featuring key university expectations, student success strategies, and campus supports, this session is designed to help you transition successfully into the first few weeks of university life.
University Hall
12:00pm
Lunch (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
2:00pm
AI & University
Artificial intelligence is changing the way students learn, but how does it impact your Acadia journey? This session explores responsible and ethical uses of AI in an academic setting while sharing practical advice for using emerging technologies to support your learning.
Artificial intelligence is changing the way students learn, but how does it impact your Acadia journey? This session explores responsible and ethical uses of AI in an academic setting while sharing practical advice for using emerging technologies to support your learning.
K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre – Main Auditorium
3:00pm
Understanding Your Study Permit
Designed for international students, this session provides important information about study permit conditions, maintaining your status, and understanding your responsibilities while studying in Canada.
Designed for international students, this session provides important information about study permit conditions, maintaining your status, and understanding your responsibilities while studying in Canada.
BAC 138
4:00pm
U-Life Time Management
University life comes with new responsibilities and opportunities. Learn practical strategies for managing your time, balancing academics with life outside the classroom, and staying organized throughout the semester.
University life comes with new responsibilities and opportunities. Learn practical strategies for managing your time, balancing academics with life outside the classroom, and staying organized throughout the semester.
BAC 241
5:30pm
Dinner (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
8:00pm
Paint Night
Whether you're an experienced artist or just looking to have fun, Paint Night is a great opportunity to express yourself, meet new people, and take home your own masterpiece.
Whether you're an experienced artist or just looking to have fun, Paint Night is a great opportunity to express yourself, meet new people, and take home your own masterpiece.
Fountain Learning Commons
8:00pm – 10:00pm
ASU Late Night Breakfast
Join the Acadia Students' Union for a free late-night breakfast. Connect with friends and enjoy this Acadia Orientation fan-favourite!
Join the Acadia Students' Union for a free late-night breakfast. Connect with friends and enjoy this Acadia Orientation fan-favourite!
Axe Bar & Grill
Friday, September 4
Chapter 4: Finding Balance & Belonging
TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
9:00am
Breakfast (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
10:00am
Health & Wellness Fair
Meet campus and community partners, explore interactive booths, and learn about the services, programs, and supports available to help you thrive throughout your university journey.
Meet campus and community partners, explore interactive booths, and learn about the services, programs, and supports available to help you thrive throughout your university journey.
Fountain Learning Commons
12:00pm
Lunch (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
2:00pm
Sex Savvy
Sex Savvy is an engaging and interactive session exploring sexual health, consent, healthy relationships, and safer sex practices. Through games, activities, and open conversation, you'll gain valuable knowledge while having fun.
Sex Savvy is an engaging and interactive session exploring sexual health, consent, healthy relationships, and safer sex practices. Through games, activities, and open conversation, you'll gain valuable knowledge while having fun.
BAC 241
4:00pm
Acadia Athletics Complex Walkthrough
Come explore the Acadia Athletics Complex (AAC) and discover everything they have to offer! Learn about the fitness facilities, recreational spaces, intramural programs, and ways to stay active and healthy throughout the year.
Come explore the Acadia Athletics Complex (AAC) and discover everything they have to offer! Learn about the fitness facilities, recreational spaces, intramural programs, and ways to stay active and healthy throughout the year.
Acadia Athletics Complex
5:30pm
Dinner (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
7:00pm – 8:00pm
Queer 101
Join us for an interactive introduction to 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, inclusive language, and creating welcoming communities at Acadia. Whether you're a member of the community or an ally, this session is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and celebrate diversity.
Join us for an interactive introduction to 2SLGBTQIA+ identities, inclusive language, and creating welcoming communities at Acadia. Whether you're a member of the community or an ally, this session is a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and celebrate diversity.
BAC 241
8:00pm
Drag Show
Celebrate creativity, self-expression, and community at one of Orientation Week's most anticipated events! Featuring talented local drag performers, this high-energy show is an evening of entertainment, artistry, and celebration that you won't want to miss.
Celebrate creativity, self-expression, and community at one of Orientation Week's most anticipated events! Featuring talented local drag performers, this high-energy show is an evening of entertainment, artistry, and celebration that you won't want to miss.
Festival Theatre
8:00pm
Acadia Intramurals
Looking to stay active and meet new people? Join Campus Recreation for an evening of fun, recreational sport on Raymond Field & Stu Aberdeen Court.
Looking to stay active and meet new people? Join Campus Recreation for an evening of fun, recreational sport on Raymond Field & Stu Aberdeen Court.
Acadia Athletics Complex
Saturday, September 5
Chapter 5: Acadia Spirit!
TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
9:00am
Breakfast (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
10:30am
ASU Coffee Crawl
Start your morning by exploring downtown Wolfville with the Acadia Students' Union! Visit local cafés, discover student favourites, and get to know the town you'll be calling home throughout your university experience.
Start your morning by exploring downtown Wolfville with the Acadia Students' Union! Visit local cafés, discover student favourites, and get to know the town you'll be calling home throughout your university experience.
Axe Bar & Grill
12:00pm
Lunch (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
1:00pm
Student Meet & Mix
Through conversation and shared activities, this event brings together students from around the world to build friendships and celebrate the diversity of the Acadia community.
Through conversation and shared activities, this event brings together students from around the world to build friendships and celebrate the diversity of the Acadia community.
K.C. Irving Environmental Science Centre – Garden Room
2:00pm
Acadia Rugby Game
Experience the excitement of varsity athletics and show off your Acadia spirit at the Acadia Women’s Rugby home opener.
Experience the excitement of varsity athletics and show off your Acadia spirit at the Acadia Women’s Rugby home opener.
Raymond Field
5:30pm
Dinner (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
8:00pm
Acadia's Got Talent
Do you have a talent you're ready to share? Whether you're singing, dancing, performing magic, playing an instrument, or sharing another unique talent, Acadia's Got Talent is your opportunity to shine.
Do you have a talent you're ready to share? Whether you're singing, dancing, performing magic, playing an instrument, or sharing another unique talent, Acadia's Got Talent is your opportunity to shine.
Festival Theatre
8:30pm
Yoga Night
Open to both new and experienced participants, end the day by slowing things down with a relaxing evening yoga session.
Open to both new and experienced participants, end the day by slowing things down with a relaxing evening yoga session.
Acadia Athletics Complex
Sunday, September 6
Chapter 6: Building Community
TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
9:00am
Breakfast (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
10:00am
Community Trail Hike
Take a break from campus, experience the natural beauty of the Annapolis Valley, and discover some of the scenic trails surrounding Wolfville with this guided hike.
Take a break from campus, experience the natural beauty of the Annapolis Valley, and discover some of the scenic trails surrounding Wolfville with this guided hike.
Acadia Woodland Trails
12:00pm
Lunch (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
2:00pm
Affinity Group Socials
Finding your people is one of the most exciting parts of your university journey. Through these affinity group socials, identified student populations can gather, connect, and build a lasting community.
Finding your people is one of the most exciting parts of your university journey. Through these affinity group socials, identified student populations can gather, connect, and build a lasting community.
TBA
4:00pm
Indigenous Student Gathering
Join us to meet Indigenous staff, esteemed Elders, community members, and upper-year peers. You'll have the opportunity to participate in discussions, discover dedicated Indigenous spaces on campus, and learn about cultural events happening throughout the year.
Join us to meet Indigenous staff, esteemed Elders, community members, and upper-year peers. You'll have the opportunity to participate in discussions, discover dedicated Indigenous spaces on campus, and learn about cultural events happening throughout the year.
TBA
5:30pm
Dinner (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
6:30pm
Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression Session
This is not your average lecture: expect a dynamic session full of powerful insights, actionable takeaways, and vital conversations that will shape your university experience. You will leave equipped with the knowledge and tools to help foster an inclusive, equitable environment for yourself and your peers.
This is not your average lecture: expect a dynamic session full of powerful insights, actionable takeaways, and vital conversations that will shape your university experience. You will leave equipped with the knowledge and tools to help foster an inclusive, equitable environment for yourself and your peers.
TBA
8:30pm
Beats in the Quad
Join your classmates in the Roy Jodrey (ROJO) Quad for a high-energy outdoor dance party as we celebrate the friendships and memories made throughout Orientation Week.
Join your classmates in the Roy Jodrey (ROJO) Quad for a high-energy outdoor dance party as we celebrate the friendships and memories made throughout Orientation Week.
Roy Jodrey Hall – Quad
Monday, September 7
Chapter 7: Discovering Wolfville
TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
9:00am
Breakfast (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
All Day
Returning Student Move-In
Returning students are welcomed back to campus as the Acadia community comes together for the start of a new academic year.
Returning students are welcomed back to campus as the Acadia community comes together for the start of a new academic year.
12:00pm
Lunch (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Wolfville Street Fair
Discover everything Wolfville has to offer! Through meeting local businesses, community organizations, and vendors, the Wolfville Street Fair is the perfect opportunity to connect with the wider community and support local.
Discover everything Wolfville has to offer! Through meeting local businesses, community organizations, and vendors, the Wolfville Street Fair is the perfect opportunity to connect with the wider community and support local.
Main Street
5:30pm
Dinner (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
6:30pm
Capture the Flag
Team up with your fellow students for a fast-paced game of Capture the Flag! This classic activity is all about teamwork and friendly competition.
Team up with your fellow students for a fast-paced game of Capture the Flag! This classic activity is all about teamwork and friendly competition.
Chase Court – Courtyard
9:00pm
Movie Night Under the Stars
Bring a blanket, grab some snacks, and relax under the night sky for an outdoor movie.
Bring a blanket, grab some snacks, and relax under the night sky for an outdoor movie.
Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens
Tuesday, September 8
Chapter 8: Meet Your Academic Program
TIME
EVENT
LOCATION
9:00am
Breakfast (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
9:30am
Academic Faculty Sessions & Program Introduction
The academic faculty and staff of Acadia can’t wait to meet you! You’ll receive an invite to your specific academic program location for a day of becoming acquainted with your program of study and receiving key information to help start off your Fall term successfully.
The academic faculty and staff of Acadia can’t wait to meet you! You’ll receive an invite to your specific academic program location for a day of becoming acquainted with your program of study and receiving key information to help start off your Fall term successfully.
TBA
12:00pm
Lunch (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
1:00pm – 5:00pm
New Minas Shopping Trip
Travel by bus with your classmates to New Minas, known as the shopping centre of the Annapolis Valley. You’ll be able to pick up any last-minute supplies you may need prior to classes officially beginning tomorrow!
Travel by bus with your classmates to New Minas, known as the shopping centre of the Annapolis Valley. You’ll be able to pick up any last-minute supplies you may need prior to classes officially beginning tomorrow!
Wheelock Dining Hall – Entrance
5:30pm
Dinner (for those with meal plans)
Wheelock Dining Hall
Wednesday, September 9 - Classes Begin